Teacher of Chemistry (Possibility of Head of Department for suitably qualified candidate)

Due to the retirement of the current  post holder, we have an exciting opportunity for an inspirational Chemist to join our thriving Chemistry Department.

We will consider applications from candidates who desire a full time position or a part time position. Please indicate this on your application form.

There is also the possibility of Head of Chemistry for a candidate  with relevant experience.   Please indicate this on your application form (not part time).

Organisation of the Department

Chemistry is taught as a separate subject throughout the school. There is an emphasis on learning through practical work in all years, and pupils enjoy this very much. In Years 7-9 the students have two 55-minute periods of each Science subject per week. Year 7 are taught in mixed ability tutor groups, then, depending on the needs of the cohort, sets may be introduced. The National Curriculum programmes of study are followed at Key Stage 3 in Years 7 and 8, following an in-house scheme of work. The AQA specification for GCSE Chemistry is followed in Year 9, as the students commence their Key Stage 4 studies.

At the end of Year 9, students opt to either, follow the AQA specification for GCSE Chemistry or the AQA specification for Combined Science: Trilogy. While numbers vary from year to year, approximately half of students normally opt for the separate sciences.  Most students are entered for the higher tier of the examination. GCSE Chemistry classes have 6 lessons per fortnight while GCSE Combined Science Chemistry classes have 4 lessons per fortnight. Group sizes may vary with the cohort but will never exceed 24.

Chemistry is a popular subject within the school and successful at recruiting for A-level from our own internal students and others from outside who join the Sixth Form. Maximum class size for A level is 14. Students have eleven lessons per fortnight. All the Sciences currently follow the AQA A-level specifications. Teaching of Chemistry A-level is shared by the Head of Chemistry and the Teacher of Chemistry.

Facilities

The Science Department facilities are outstanding, there are two laboratories for each of the three sciences with an office for each Head of Department, a large preparation room, greenhouse and staff room. The laboratories are on the first floor of the Hurworth building with the library and IT facilities on the ground floor. Each Chemistry lab has two fume cupboards. All the laboratories are well equipped with data projectors and IT facilities and there is a class set of laptop computers available for use. The Department receives brilliant technical support from a Laboratory Manager and team of technicians.

2023 Academic Results

GCSE Chemistry 80% 9-7 (AQA national average 44%), 100% 9-4.

GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy 58% 99-77 (AQA national average 9%), 100% 99-44.

A level Chemistry 75% A*/A, 100% A*-B.

Extracurricular Activities

All staff contribute to at least one extracurricular activity which may or may not be related to their specialism. The Science department organises STEM clubs, trips and participates in competitions across all Key Stages. For example, in 2023 a Year 8 group project was selected as the North East Regional Winner of the ‘Step into the NHS’ competition, a L6 group were shortlisted into the top 10 nationally for the Institute of Civil Engineers ‘CityZen’ video competition and Year 9 enjoyed a trip to the Yorkshire Wildlife Park during Science week. All teachers help to link curriculum learning with careers and promote extracurricular learning opportunities. An extracurricular club ‘Science Sparks’ has been run for enthusiastic Year 6 pupils from a variety of partnership primary schools, and our own Prep Girls.

Please read the candidate pack for all the information relating to this post. 

Visits to school can be arranged by emailing: enquiries@dhsfg.org.uk

Closing date for applications: 9am on Wednesday 8 May 2024
Interviews will be held between: Monday 13 May –  Friday 17 May 2024

Please complete the application form and submit this with a covering letter outlining your reasons for applying and what you feel you can bring to the post. This should be addressed for the attention of the Headmistress and sent by email to enquiries@dhsfg.org.uk